5 Days in Scotland: Our Perfect 5-Day Scotland Mini Road Trip

Although spending 5 days in Scotland may not seem like enough time, you can certainly make the most of it!

Scotland is a place like no other. The quaintness and mysteriousness of Edinburgh will transport you to another time. The mountains in the highlands seem so dramatic and wild that this place has an untamed beauty. Even the islands are exceptional and dotted with sheep on the hillsides.

It is a place with dramatic landscapes, dramatic changes in weather, and dramatic cities. Drama was the first thing that came to mind upon exploring Scotland.

I originally thought Scotland would be super similar to its neighbor Ireland, where we spent 4 days after Scotland, but they were so different! While Ireland was lush and green, Scotland was windswept, wild, and hearty. 

Both were incredible spots, but different at the same time.

Anyway, while most people try to at least spend a week in Scotland, sometimes you just don’t have the time. Take us, for instance. We wanted to take a 2-week trip around England, Ireland, and Scotland (with a quick 2-day stop in Paris since Chris’s parents had never been).

This didn’t leave us with bountiful time in any place, but enough time to dive in and explore. So we ended up doing a 5-day Scotland road trip to see both Edinburgh and the Highlands.

This Scotland itinerary includes the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, historical castles, fairy-like places, and more!

After our 5-day Scotland mini road trip, we have great tips and ideas to make your own trip to this dramatic place all the more memorable. Let’s get into it.

5 Days in Scotland Itinerary

Here is a quick rundown of the itinerary you can refer back to during your planning process. If you would like to learn more, get into the details and tips, and learn where to stay, keep on reading! 

Day 1: Edinburgh

• Explore the Royal Mile
• St Giles Cathedral
• Palm Court for Afternoon Tea
• Scott Monument
• Victoria Street
• Oxford Bar
• The Scran and Scallie

Day 2: Edinburgh

• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Coffee at The Milkman
• Edinburgh Castle
• Picnic at Calton Hill
• Scotch Whisky Experience
• Hendersons Restaurant

Day 3: Drive to Isle of Skye Via Cairngorms National Park

• Drive Past the Kelpies
• Stirling Castle
• Blair Castle & Gardens
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Arrive in the Isle of Skye to Your Hotel
• Dinner at Hotel

Day 4: Isle of Skye

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Fairy Glen Hike
• Quirang
• Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
• Lealt Falls
• Old Man of Storr
• Have Drinks at the Hotel Bar
• Dinner at Dulce & Brose

Day 5: Back to Edinburgh

• Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
• Lunch in Fort William
• Drive through Glencoe
• Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park 
• Arrive in Edinburgh

The Best 5 Day Scotland Road Trip From Us To You

It’s time to pack your bags and dive into this amazing road trip through this beautiful place.

Day 1: Edinburgh (Royal Mile, Afternoon Tea, Scott Monument, and the Best Dang Haggis in Scotland!)

To kick off this itinerary, you’ve got to begin in Edinburgh. This city is full of charm and history and is a perfect place to commence a trip through the country.

Also, you’re likely to land here from wherever you’re coming from anyway so why not take the time to explore this exciting city?

So today you’ll arrive in Edinburgh, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. Either you’ll fly into Edinburgh Airport or take the train to the Waverley Train Station. 

We ended up taking the train from London that morning, and it was a lovely trip just shy of 4.5 hours long. 

Once you’re in Edinburgh, you’ll want to get to your hotel, drop off your luggage, and get exploring! 

First things first is the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile begins at Edinburgh Castle and goes all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland.

As you can imagine, this street is quite busy with people exploring, touristy spots, and even bagpipers piping. It is a lot of fun to check out and wander along the cobblestone streets here.

One thing in particular you’ll want to see this day is St Giles Cathedral. This smaller church is absolutely stunning and was built around the 14th century. Enjoy the stained glass windows, flags around the interior, and quaintness of this place.

This church is also famous for having a copy of the National Covenant. This is a political and religious document that was made to resist King Charles I’s changes to the church. It is cool to check that out and explore before continuing on the Royal Mile.

After a morning of arriving and exploring the Royal Mile, you’re going to want to have a nice sit-down meal. And if you’re in the UK, you really can’t turn down a chance to enjoy an afternoon tea.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Palm Court for their afternoon tea. This place was certainly upscale with a harpist playing tranquilly from above, a chandelier, 88 teas to choose from on the menu, and a plethora of tasty treats.

Expect things like mini sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and several mini desserts. You may not be able to finish it all! But we had a great time enjoying the various teas! Oh, and if you want to make it even more upscale, you can have a glass of Champagne with your tea!

After tea, it is time to wander over to Princes Street Gardens to relax, admire the flowers, see the Ross Fountain, and people-watch, and perhaps check out the Scott Monument. This Victorian Gothic monument is dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

And you can go up it if it is still open when you arrive! Enjoy great views of the city from the top of the monument or just admire it from below. 

After exploring Princes Street Gardens for a bit, head back into Old Town Edinburgh to Victoria Street. This is certainly one of the more colorful streets in the city to admire. It is also on a hill and curves downward, making it all the more charming.

But this street has plenty of great shops to check out including the Museum of Context, an official Harry Potter shop, as well as the iconic The Islander Flagship Store.

You have maybe seen this on TikTok as the place where you can make your own bag with tweed. If you have the extra time, you can certainly book an Islander Workshop experience in Edinburgh at another location. 

However, if you don’t have time (as we didn’t during our 5-day trip), you can just go to this shop and pick out a fun wool purse and Scottish-made accessories.

I’m not going to lie, I went a little nuts here. I ended up with a purse (which I’m still obsessed with and wear a lot!), a coin purse, a mini card holder, and a scarf (which is SO warm!). And the prices are super reasonable. 

So if you’re searching for some local Scottish products, why not check out The Islander?

Once you’ve selected some great wool products, it is time for a drink. But you don’t want to go to just any old pub in the Old City. Head to a more local pub that is known as a literary pub.

Hop in a taxi (ask your hotel for a recommendation and save the WhatsApp number) and head over to The Oxford Bar.

First of all, I love the UK pub culture. Pubs are a popular spot to go after work before dinner to catch up with friends over a pint or two. This place is buzzing around the end of the workday and so much fun! 

But this place is special as it is a literary pub. If you’re a fan of famed Scottish author Ian Rankin, then this pub may be familiar to you. This is because he used this pub as Detective Rebus’s pub in his Inspector Rebus series. Chris and I actually started reading it before we went to Scotland and enjoyed it!

He has also been known to frequent this pub as well. Whether you’re a fan of Scottish novels or not, this place is full of locals getting pints and chatting away. It was such a fun place to relax after exploring all day and even chat with the locals. 

The Scottish people are so friendly so you’ll love getting to know them at the pub!

Once you’re had a pint or two, it is time to head to dinner. I recommend The Scran and Scallie. This place was quite memorable as having some of the best food we had in Scotland. Considering we had a lot of good food, that is saying something!

It was here that we tasted the best haggis of our trip. We got the haggis, neeps, and tatties appetizer and honestly wish we had ordered more. We weren’t sure if we’d like haggis (which is made with discarded bits of sheep meat mixed with oatmeal and spices). It reminded us of Goetta if you’re from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area!

We also thoroughly enjoyed the fish pie and sticky toffee pudding. This is a great spot to wrap up your first day of your Scotland trip.

Day 1 Map:

Where to Stay in Edinburgh:

Here are a few places to stay in Edinburgh based on your budget:

Budget: Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel

Perhaps not in the heart of it all, but it isn’t too far to walk. So if you’re trying to stay somewhere nice on a budget, this is the place! With A/C, comfortable rooms, and close to the airport tram and nearby attractions, you’ll enjoy a stay here.

Book it here!

Mid-Range: Apex City of Edinburgh

This is the hotel we stayed at during our time in Edinburgh and it was great! It is located next to Victoria Street and not far from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle! We walked to most places, and the hotel even has views of Edinburgh Castle (depending on your room).

Book it here!

Luxury: The Witchery By The Castle

If I could afford a bougie stay in Edinburgh, this would be the place. Edinburgh already has a moody, Harry Potter vibe. This castle-like spot just adds to the aesthetic. Composed of historic buildings, this place is decorated like a Medieval castle and that includes its opulent rooms. 

Book it here!

Day 2: Edinburgh (Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and the Scotch Whisky Experience)

This morning, you’ll want to wake up and head over to Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby. What is Greyfriars Kirkyard? Well, a kirkyard is essentially a graveyard.

This graveyard (or kirkyard) is attached to Greyfriars Kirk (kirk means church), which is a parish church formed in 1620. While you could visit the church if it is open, it likely won’t be if you go in the earlier part of the morning. 

However, you can wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard and see Greyfriars Bobby. I recommend doing this first thing in the morning because it isn’t crowded yet. This is a famous spot to visit in Edinburgh, so going before people start meandering in makes it all the more peaceful.

You don’t have to go at the crack of dawn, but going in the morning before breakfast is a good idea. 

But first, you’ll spot Greyfriars Bobby just outside. This is a famous statue that is quite popular. This statue of a little terrier dog even has its little nose shiny from being rubbed a lot. If you look across the street at the Greyfriars Bobby Bar, you’ll see the story of this dog and why he was so special. 

The story goes like this: There was a man named John Gray who was a night watchman in the city. He adopted a terrier dog who he named Bobby who was endlessly devoted to him. So much so that after John’s death when Bobby was only 2 years old, he slept by his grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for the rest of his life (he lived to be 16!). 

It is a touching tale of man’s best friend. You can see this statue here, and then spot John Gray’s grave and even a memorial to Bobby in the graveyard! 

Now, other than that story, why is Greyfriars Kirkyard so famous? Well, because of a little book series called Harry Potter.

JK Rowling famously wrote in Scotland and wandered through this kirkyard to pick out names of characters for her books. So you’ll recognize several names as you read headstones in the cemetery. 

Spot Moodie, McGonagall, Black, the Potters, and Thomas Riddell. Most are located along the Flodden Wall and the Potters are near the entrance to the kirkyard. 

It is hard to miss Thomas Riddell’s Grave as there is a path leading to it. Also, many of the famous graves are fenced in to protect them from the many tourists who come to check them out. 

Note: If you plan to visit and spot the Harry Potter-esque graves, please be respectful. These are the resting places of real people. Stay off the grass, obey the signs and rules as posted, and don’t touch the graves.

After exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard, you can grab some much-needed coffee and breakfast. Head over the The Milkman for this. 

Grab a delicious coffee beverage and pastry to fuel up for a day of exploring Edinburgh!

Once you’ve had breakfast, it is time to explore Edinburgh Castle. This is definitely a must-see attraction while in Edinburgh. Located on Castle Rock, it overlooks the city, meaning you’ll have fabulous views once you reach the top of the hill here. 

This castle has origins from the 11th century (but the land has been occupied since the Iron Age) and is the most besieged castle in all of Britain.

While once a royal residence, this is now home to the Honours of Scotland (aka their crown jewels), St Margaret’s Chapel, the National War Museum, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regemental Museum, the Scottish National War Memorial, plus many incredible rooms like the Great Hall. 

You could honestly spend several hours here! And we actually ended up booking the tour along with our ticket to see the castle. With a place this big and historical, it helps to have context. 

The tour ticket includes a 30-minute guided tour and time to explore on your own. The tour begins around 9:45 am and goes every 30 minutes with a gap between 12:15-1:15 pm. 

Book it here!

If you want even more information, there is a 1.5-hour tour you can book with tons of stories and fun facts as you learn the ins and outs of this much-besieged castle. Then, you can wander around to the museums. 

Book it here!

Once you’ve explored Edinburgh Castle, it is time for lunch! I highly recommend grabbing supplies for a picnic lunch, especially if the weather is nice.

There are plenty of Sainsbury’s, M&S, and Tesco’s close by to pick up some sandwiches, crisps, fruit, and perhaps an Irn-Bru (Scotland’s orange bubble-gum flavored soda that is highly polarizing). 

After you’ve got your goodies, it is time to take the smaller hike to Calton Hill. Hike up to the top and enjoy the views while tucking into your delicious lunches from the grocery store.

We did this during our trip and it was fantastic to see the views of the water and city. Plus, afterward, you can wander around the hill, which offers great views of Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, etc. 

There are also many monuments up here to see including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, Robert Burns Monument, and even the Instgram-famous Dugald Steward Monument. 

So enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the park on top of Calton Hill, taking in the views and visiting the monuments before coming back down into the city. 

After this, I recommend booking a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience. Scotland is definitely known for its whisky, and what better way to embrace that and learn more than by visiting the Scotch Whisky Experience? Just steps from Edinburgh Castle, you can opt for a few different tours.

When we went, we opted for the Gold Tour which included a dram, and then we were guided through a tasting of 4 more whiskies from around Scotland. After learning about the various flavor profiles of each region, it was interesting to try the whiskies side by side and really taste the difference!

I know that 5 whisky tastings sound like a lot, but don’t worry, they are just wee drams. But it was really neat to taste the smokiness of a peat whisky from the islands and a sweeter whisky from the Highlands.

Book your tasting experience here!

Afterward, I recommend getting dinner at Hendersons to wrap up your final day in Edinburgh. This place is serving up delicious vegan and vegetarian food with fresh drinks. It is a great local spot to enjoy your evening.

After that, it is time for bed, as you’ll have an action-packed day tomorrow!

Day 2 Map:

Day 3: Drive to the Isle of Skye Via Cairngorms National Park

Total Drive Time: 5 hours, 45 minutes

Total Distance: 255 miles/411 km

This morning you’ll want to get up a little earlier and head to the airport to pick up your rental car. After you’ve grabbed your car, it is off to the Isle of Skye. Your Scotland road trip truly begins now!

First, you’ll likely drive past the Kelpies in Falkirk as you drive on the highway to your first real stop. 

The Kelpies statues are giant steel horseheads depicting kelpies or mythical shape-shifting creatures that typically take the form of a horse. However, these aren’t cute, harmless creatures; they try to lure children and eat them. 

So beware of the Kelpies! 

I don’t necessarily recommend going off the highway, parking, and going over to the Kelpies as you’ve got a lot of driving ahead of you today. Instead, you can see them perfectly fine from the M9 highway. 

After driving past the Kelpies, and after driving only about 35 minutes from the airport, is Stirling Castle. 

I mean, castles and Scotland go hand in hand. This country is full of amazing castles all over the place. Stirling Castle is among one of the most famous, especially as it was one of the most important royal residences in Scotland.

It was also fought over on many occasions, particularly during the Wars of Independence with England. Some battles that occurred nearby included William Wallace’s victory at Stirling Bridge and Robert the Bruce’s sad defeat at Bannockburn.

Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here and her son was born here.

As you can imagine, this place has seen a lot of history. This makes it a phenomenal place to stop on your way to the Isle of Skye today.

Go check out the castle grounds, explore the Great Hall, the kitchens, the Queen Anne Gardens, admire the incredible Stirling Tapestries based on the Unicorn Hunt series, head to the Regimental Museum, and even admire the views of this castle set upon a high rock.

After your visit, you’ll need some lunch. I just suggest grabbing food at their cafe as you’ll want to get back on the road to continue your journey. 

This is what we did and the cafe was actually really good. There were salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts, etc.

Once you’ve visited Stirling Castle and had lunch, it is time to get back on the road and drive toward Cairngorms National Park, where you’ll stop by Blair Castle & Gardens if you have the time.

The grounds here are absolutely stunning, and if you have the time, you can explore and go for a long walk. However, if you’re like us and know you have a long drive over to Skye, you may just want to visit the castle.

This castle has been the residence of the Atholl family for more than 7 generations. This place has been standing for 750 years, and you can wander through the castle, admiring the decor as you take a step back through time. 

There is the elaborate Dining Room, old weaponry arranged in a circle hanging up in the Entrance Hall, delicate Louis XVI gilt chairs in the Drawing Room, and several amazing tapestries in the Tapestry Room.

This is a fun place to explore for a bit to see a Scottish countryside castle but also to learn about the history of this centuries-old estate.

After this mini-adventure, we got back in the car to head most of the way to the Isle of Skye. Along the way, you’ll pass by Loch Lochy, which I honestly just love the name, and enjoy the views while you’re driving. 

And eventually, you’ll get to your last stop before you hit the Isle of Skye: Eilean Donan Castle. It is right off the road on the way so you can’t miss it. 

Chances are it’ll be closed by the time you arrive, but you can still park and walk around a bit to admire the views and get a photo or two of this epic, 13th-century castle located on an island where 3 lochs meet.

It is still worth stopping just for some photos and to admire how well-kept this iconic castle is from days gone by. 

After visiting the castle, you only have about an hour left to drive to where you’re staying on the Isle of Skye. Thankfully, you won’t need to wait for a ferry, as you can take the Skye Bridge. From there, you’ll drive on the island until you get to Portree, where you’ll base yourself for the next couple of nights.

Once you arrive at your hotel in Portree, you’ll settle in, grab dinner, and head to bed. I suggest getting dinner at the hotel (if they have a restaurant) and making a reservation ahead of time if possible- restaurants all get booked up so quickly on the Isle of Skye throughout the year.

For us, we ended up staying at the Cuillin Hills Hotel which was magnificent. Not only was this place within walking distance to the town for exploring but it is perched along the bay with incredible views of Portree and the sea. 

This hotel also had stunning rooms, a delicious restaurant, and a malt whisky bar.

Anyway, we ended up having a late dinner at our hotel before going to bed to rest up before an exciting day on the Isle of Skye! 

Day 3 Map:

Where to Stay in Portree, Isle of Skye:

I recommend Portree as it is the largest town on the Isle of Skye with the most accommodations and restaurants, making it easier for your stay. It is also right next to the Trotternish Loop, which is where you’ll be exploring most of the day tomorrow.

Here are some hotels to stay in the area:

Skeabost House Hotel: We looked at this hotel as well that is just outside of Portree, but not too far of a drive into the town for a meal. It’s right on a loch, has stylish rooms, and has a delicious restaurant that also serves afternoon tea.

Book it here!

Marmalade Hotel: This was another hotel we looked at during our Scotland trip research, and it is in Portree, so you can walk to spots in the town from here. Rooms here have great views, and they too have a restaurant for your first evening.

Book it here!

Cuillin Hills Hotel: This is where we ended up staying and absolutely loved it! We loved the rooms, the restaurant, the full Scottish breakfasts, and even their cozy salon area with a toasty fire lit at night.

Book it here!

Day 4: Isle of Skye

Total Drive Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes (just Trotternish Loop) | 3 hours, 42 minutes with additional stops

Total Distance: 45.1 miles/72.5 km (just Trotternish Loop) | 104 miles/168 km with additional stops 

Okay, there are a couple of options for your day today. You could take your time with things and just visit spots along the Trotternish Loop, or you could go a little quicker and see more. 

This honestly will depend on your energy levels, who you’re traveling with, and if you want to do more hiking or just quicker stops. 

I’ll start with what we did and will add on the extra things we had thought about doing but didn’t at the end.

We began our day with a full Scottish breakfast at our hotel. This got us all nice and fueled up for a day of exploring! 

As we got in later and had a later dinner the night before, we slept in a little and had breakfast before our first adventure of the day.

And today, we’re exploring the Trotternish Loop. This is a 50-mile scenic loop northeast of the Isle of Skye on the Trotternish Peninsula. This loop connects a lot of popular sights and is a must-see if you only have 1 day on the Isle of Skye.

So that’s what we’re doing! 

Note: Most stops along the Trotternish Loop require payment for parking. However, they do take credit cards. Also, most stops do NOT have toilets. The only one we saw was at the Old Man of Storr. There are, however, toilets in the town of Uig. 

Okay, now that you are aware of those details, let’s get started with the first stop at the Fairy Glen. This is a quick 1-mile (1.61 km) or so trail that takes you to the beautiful Fairy Glen lookout. 

Along the way, you’ll see windswept hills and trees and perhaps some sheep roaming around! From the top of the lookout, you can see for miles around you! The landscape here is truly stunning and well worth it.

This is also an easier hike, which was great for my in-laws and would be great for families too. 

After the Fairy Glen, you’ll continue on to the Quirang. Even only a quarter of a mile from the parking lot, you’ll see the most stunning and dramatic views of the Quirang.

So if you want to go at a faster pace today and not do the full hike, you can get great views from just next to the parking lot. 

This is what we ended up doing, not because we didn’t want to hike it, but we were there in mid-April and it was chilly and started torrentially downpouring on us. We also were not at all prepared for the sheer volume of water being dumped on us.

So while our umbrella held up surprisingly well under those conditions, sadly, my running leggings and trail shoes were completely soaked through. 

Pro-Tip: If you plan to hike in Scotland, bring waterproof EVERYTHING! I’m talking waterproof pants, hiking boots, maybe gaiters, waterproof jackets, etc. You name it, make it waterproof. Layers are also key because don’t worry- in 10 minutes it’ll likely be sunny again.

I digress. But if you did want to do the full Quirang hike, it is about 4.2 miles (6.76 km) and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The elevation gain is around 1,328 ft (405 m).

After that, you’ll go to another lookout point for Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. This is just off the parking lot but offers a stunning waterfall that goes out into the sea with the kilt-like rock formation just beyond it. The waterfall is about 180 ft (55 m) high.

Once you’ve admired that sufficiently, you can head to Lealt Falls which is just a short walk from the parking lot to another lovely waterfall that is about 295 ft (90 m) high and is a stunning stop on the way to your last stop on the Trotternish Loop: The Old Man of Storr.

The Old Man of Storr is another great hiking opportunity to see the fascinating rock formations as well as views of the island and sea. 

While you can see the Old Man of Storr from the parking lot, the hike offers even more breathtaking views. This hike is about 3.4 miles long (5.47 km) and takes about 2 hours to complete. The elevation gain is around 1,171 ft (357 m). 

If you decide to take your time and do all of these hikes, then that’ll probably take up most of your day. I actually recommend just sticking to the Trotternish Loop if you plan to do all of these hikes, especially as you’ll end up hiking around 8.6 miles (13.84 km).

We ended up just hiking the Fairy Glen while it was nice outside and then tried to do the Quirang before it absolutely drenched us. It rained heavily off and on (with sunny spurts in between because… that’s how mercurial the weather in Scotland is), so we ended up skipping the hike to the Old Man of Storr as well. 

So for us, we ended up going back to our hotel, enjoyed the views when the weather cleared up, and had some whisky from the malt whisky bar. 

Later in the evening, we went into town to enjoy a lovely dinner at Dulse and Brose with some tasty cider, a Scottish cheeseboard, and some delightful BBQ-glazed Atlantic cod.

Again, like all restaurants here, make reservations in advance.

Alternatively for This Day:

Okay, I mentioned doing all the hikes. If you do all the hikes, I think that is probably good for the day unless you want to get up super early to really get the most out of your stay. 

OR

If you just want to see the lookout points, maybe do the Fairy Glen, and if you want to explore more, you can also add on stops at Neist Point and Dunvegan Castle. I mean, yes, you could add this on in addition to all the hikes and stops on the Trotternish Loop. However, you’ll likely want to get up pretty early and be going all day. 

It’s your trip, and if you want to see and do it all, by all means, do that! 

If not, then stick with our recommendations above and you’ll be sure to have a great time on the Isle of Skye.

We absolutely loved it, even after getting positively downpoured on. This whole island is dramatic with its windswept vegetation, hearty sheep, and warm people. 

We’re already looking forward to going again one day to go hiking more!

After this full day, it is time for bed, as you’ll be driving back to Edinburgh tomorrow!

Day 4 Map:

Day 5: Back to Edinburgh Via Loch Lomond

Total Drive Time: 6 hours, 20 minutes

Total Distance: 268 miles/431 km

On the last day of your Scotland road trip, you’ll be going all the way from the Isle of Skye back to the airport to drop off your car.

What is great about today is that you will not be going the same way back to Edinburgh as you came. This time, you’ll be driving through Glencoe and by Loch Lomond! 

So to kick off your adventure in the Highlands today, you’ll drive about 2.5 hours to the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. 

This is a gondola that you can take up into the mountains and have epic views of the Highlands and the surrounding mountains. 

You can have a cup of tea or coffee when you get to the top. You may spot people hiking or mountain biking in the warmer months of the year, and people skiing during the winter!

While we were there in April, it actually snowed quite a bit! While it was raining when we parked, as we kept riding up in the gondola, it started snowing and the top was covered in snow!

The ride was fun and it was a beautiful view before we went back down to drive to the next stop. 

Drive about a half hour for lunch along the shores of Loch Leven at the Lochleven Seafood Cafe. Have delightful seafood in a toasty dining room before you keep driving to the next stop: which is in Glencoe. 

You’ll mostly be driving through Glencoe, but one place that you must stop at in the mountains is the Three Sisters Viewpoint. This is named for the 3 ridges in the Bidean Nam Bian Mountain. 

It is an epic view and there is a parking lot so definitely stop to take photos and take it all in. You can go hiking as well, but you likely won’t have time for that today.

After that, you’ll drive to the Falls of Falloch for another dreamy waterfall view. Just note that you have to walk maybe a quarter mile (0.4 km) to the falls from the parking lot. There is a tiny waterfall on the way that may fool you, but just keep going and you’ll eventually run into it.

Then, you’ll head to Loch Lomond. You’ll be driving along the lake as you head back to the airport, but you’ll want to stop at Firkin Point for some epic views of the lake and a quick photo stop!

After that, you’ll admire the views as you keep driving past Loch Lomond, past the Kelpies again, and then to the airport to drop off your car.

Now, you could head back into the city for the evening for dinner, or you could stay at the airport before flying out the next day.

If you plan to stay at the airport, you can stay at the Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport for the night and fly to your next destination the following day.

We ended up staying at the hotel we stayed at during our first couple of days in Edinburgh before flying out to Ireland the next day for a mini Ireland road trip!

Here are the hotels, as mentioned above:

• Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel
• Apex City of Edinburgh (where we stayed)
• The Witchery by the Castle

This wraps up your short, but oh-so-sweet Scotland mini-road trip. No, you didn’t get to see places like Inverness, Glasgow, or any of the other islands. If you had a longer trip you could, but for 5 days you do at least get to visit Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and make some stops in the Highlands!

Day 5 Map:

What To Do If You Have More Time

If you have more time in Scotland, there are a lot of possibilities. If you have a week, I would honestly just add on another day on the Isle of Skye to explore further and another day in Edinburgh or just spend 2 extra days on the Isle of Skye.

If you have 10 days, perhaps you’ll want to add on Inverness and Loch Ness. 

For 2 weeks or so, you could add other places based on your interests. If you want to get out in nature and go for more hikes, then perhaps extending your time on the Isle of Skye and/or adding more time in Glencoe is a great idea.

If you love whisky, perhaps you could add on some time on Islay, an island well-known for its whisky distilleries or you could spend some time exploring the distilleries in Speyside.

For castle lovers, perhaps you’d like to explore more of Aberdeenshire, where there are several iconic castles to see including Craigievar Castle and Dunnottar Castle.

For foodies and culture enthusiasts, then add on a visit to Glasgow. And for golfers, perhaps you’d love to check out St Andrews.

Really, there is something for everyone!

How to Visit Scotland Without A Car

I will say that having a car does make life a lot easier, especially if you plan to go into the countryside and go at your own pace. 

But if you don’t have a car, then there is the option to visit Scotland via train.

Getting from city to city is easy on the train. You could take the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, etc.

You can also take the train to places near the Isle of Skye, and pre-book a ferry (depending where you end up) and/or a taxi to your hotel. You can even take the Jacobite train that goes over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct from Fort William to Mallaig!

There is also the option to take a bus. 

I’ll be completely honest with you though, it really is hard to get around the Isle of Skye on your own to see things without having a car. That is unless you choose to go on a group tour.

I will say that if you plan to visit Scotland without a car, the easiest thing you can do is base yourself in Edinburgh and take day trips. Here are some good ones to check out:

• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Scottish Highlands Tour
• Glenfinnan Viaduct and Highlands Tour
• Outlander Experience Tour
• Stirling Castle, Kelpies, and Loch Lomond
• Scottish Whisky Tour

There is also the option to stay in Inverness and take a day trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. 

Getting to Scotland & Around

Getting to Scotland is easy thanks to Edinburgh Airport. You can fly into this airport and from there explore the country!

The Edinburgh Airport has several flights a day with airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada, British Airways, and even discount airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. 

We like checking Skyscanner for the best flight prices!

Once you’re in Scotland, as I’ve said before, having a car is a good idea. Check rental car prices here!

When to Visit Scotland

This largely depends on what you want to do, but typically, most people tend to visit between May-September. These are the busiest times to go, with June through August being the peak. 

While summer days are long, somewhat sunnier, and somewhat warmer, note that there will be more crowds and the potential for midges, which are pesky bugs that bite and can honestly be terrible.

I’d say for decent weather and fewer midges, April-May and September and October are better times to go. However, the weather can be iffier in April and October, but let’s be real, weather in Scotland can change on a dime and can be cold and rainy literally any time during the year.

So if you’re trying to come for perfect weather, this isn’t the place. With that being said, if you dress for the weather, you’ll be fine whenever you come!

Even with drizzly days, it is still a dreamy and beautiful place to be! We visited in April and had near-perfect spring weather in Edinburgh, a lot of heavy intermittent rain on the Isle of Skye, and some rain/snow in the mountains. 

There are also times to visit based on what you want to do. Would you like to visit the Christmas markets or enjoy Hogmanay? Then, you’ll want to visit in December. 

If you want to enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in between venturing to the Highlands, then you’ll opt for August. Want to catch some Highland Games? Then, you’ll want to opt for the summer months, particularly around July and August.

Other Tips For Visiting Scotland

At this point, you’re almost fully prepared to embark on an epic Scotland road trip adventure. But before you go, here are just a few more key tips!

• What to Pack: I’ll need to make a full packing list for Scotland, but dressing for the weather is key. For hiking, you’ll want to pack many layers and bring hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof hiking pants. For the cities, I wore my Adidas shoes for walking around all day, jeans, a waterproof jacket, and an umbrella.
• Scotland Uses the Pound Sterling. This converts to about $1.27 USD per £1, €1.20 per £1, $1.78 CAD per £1, and $1.96 AUD per £1. You can get cash out at an ATM for a better exchange rate (just be sure to have a card that doesn’t charge fees!).
• Carry Some Cash. While many parking lots and even toilets accept credit cards, it never hurts to have a little cash on you in smaller towns for food, souvenirs, etc.
• English is the Main Language in Scotland. You’ll be completely fine with English in Scotland, as it is their main language. However, Gaelic is the original language of Scotland and some people still speak it. If you want to impress your new Scottish friends on your travels, you could try to learn some before going!
• Driving Tips. We actually have a whole podcast episode about driving in Scotland and Ireland with plenty of tips, which I’ll share here. It is also good to brush up on rules and information about driving in Scotland on this website as well.

This is the ultimate 5 day Scotland itinerary including time spent in the iconic city of Edinburgh, time on the Isle of Skye, and several stops along the way to places in the Highlands!

I hope you have the absolute best time on your journey through Scotland, and that you’ll make memories you’ll never forget!

Would you like to visit Scotland? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

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